effluvium
/ɪˈfluːvɪəm
/noun (plural effluvia /ɪˈfluːvɪə/)
An unpleasant or harmful odour or discharge: smoke and effluvia from factory chimneys...
- This poor attempt at levity earned me the usual blank look of incomprehension, so I was forced to abandon the oblique approach and ask directly about the offensive effluvium befouling our happy home.
- Corn merchant William Mattock said it was an excellent scheme and pointed out that in 1902 offensive and dangerous effluvia had risen from the sewers and incidents of diphtheria had risen significantly.
- The bonfires can be seen burning at various times throughout the day and night, with the resulting nauseous effluvia blowing towards the two local schools and several housing estates.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from Latin, from effluere: 'flow out'.